Datokepe became the fourth winning favourite, in as many races, of the evening at Kilbeggan today when justified 10/11 favouritism to win the FBD Insurance Hurdle for trainer Dessie Hughes and last season’s Champion Conditional Jockey Bryan Cooper.

Cooper moved the son of Lord Americo to the front four out before staying on gamely for a seven lengths win over Brownpolish

Afterwards Hughes stated “Datokepe is a nice horse but was tall and leggy and is still babyish.”

“He seems to be coming to himself now and is a ‘summer novice’ until next September and he should be capable of winning a novice hurdle. He’s a real three miles horse and is an efficient jumper but I won’t be in any hurry sending him chasing for a while.”

Thomas Weekes